Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player
Chapter 862: Lake

Kaizen plunged into the darkness of the frozen lake, feeling the icy water wrap around him like the embrace of shadows. His body reacted instantly to the thermal shock, his muscles contracting involuntarily as they adapted to the biting cold penetrating his skin.

His senses were flooded by the feeling of increasing pressure as he plunged deeper and deeper, away from the light that still danced on the surface of the lake.

The first few meters were the most challenging. The darkness at the bottom of the lake was so thick that Kaizen could barely see where he was going. His heart was pounding, not only from the sudden change in temperature, but also from the anticipation of the unknown that awaited in the depths.

Gradually, his eyes began to adjust to the lack of light, capturing the ethereal contours of the aquatic environment. The ice above his head formed a translucent dome, filtering the sunlight and transforming it into diffuse beams that penetrated the dark waters with great difficulty. The lake revealed its true face, an underwater landscape of dark beauty and complete emptiness...

Kaizen could now see the ice formations suspended from the ceiling of the lake, like frozen stalactites in an underwater temple. They shone faintly in the diffused light, creating a surreal scene that seemed straight out of a dream or nightmare.

The silence was almost palpable; only the muffled sound of the bubbles around him and the slight rustle of the water against his body broke the stillness.

Kaizen continued his descent, keeping an eye out for any sign of danger or unwanted presence. He knew that the lake was not just an ordinary body of water; it was the refuge of a god in exile, a place imbued with power and mystery.

As Kaizen got closer to the bottom of the lake, the outlines of the ice formations at the bottom became more defined. It was then that Kaizen noticed a subtle movement ahead of him in the darkness, and it was impossible for Kaizen not to remember when he had to fight that gigantic dragon in a scenario very similar to this one.

"Who's there?" Kaizen asked, using <Psychokinesis> to mentally spread the message to any living being in the area.

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Usually, he could sense the presence if there was indeed a creature or someone, but, dealing with a god, Kaizen didn't know what to expect.

Kaizen remained motionless in the depths of the frozen lake, his heightened senses on high alert as he waited for a response to his mental call.

The darkness around him was oppressive, penetrating his mind with the sensation of an almost palpable emptiness. His heart beat at a rapid pace, each pulse echoing in the watery silence as a sign of his growing anxiety.

For long seconds that seemed like hours, Kaizen remained in his place with his eyes fixed on the darkness in front of him. No movement, no sound other than the regular sighs that escaped his lips. Then, like a distant echo gaining in intensity, a loud roar reverberated through the waters, causing Kaizen to shudder involuntarily.

The sound was like the roar of a sleeping titan, an ancient force slowly awakening from its millennial slumber.

Kaizen felt the lake itself shudder in response to the roar, the waters churning around him as something moved in the depths.

Tentacles as black as night began to emerge from the darkness, snaking through the watery space towards Kaizen. They were like living shadows, rippling with a palpable malevolence, each movement conveying a sense of imminent danger.

Kaizen reacted instantly, his mind going into a state of full alert. He unleashed <Psychokinesis>, forming an invisible barrier around him to protect himself from the approaching tentacles.

Psychic power flowed through him, creating a resistance against the onslaughts of the unknown creature.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" Kaizen ordered, his voice echoing in the underwater environment.

A tense silence followed, interrupted only by the muffled sound of the churning waters. Then a voice echoed in Kaizen's mind, a voice as deep as the ocean itself.

"You are brave, intruder, but your presence is not welcome in this place." The voice was loaded with authority and defiance, making Kaizen realize that he was dealing with something other than a simple sea monster.

"I haven't come as an invader. I'm here in search of answers." Kaizen replied, keeping his posture firm despite the tension that hung in the air.

The tentacles retreated slightly, as if the creature was evaluating his words. The darkness around Kaizen seemed to intensify, making visibility even more limited.

"You are an intriguing being... Your power is unusual. However, that doesn't change the fact that you have no place here." The voice sounded again, charged with unshakeable determination, and the tentacles advanced towards Kaizen.

"I don't want to hurt you!" Kaizen said as the tentacles slammed into his psychic barrier.

The tentacles slammed into Kaizen's psychic barrier with relentless force, as if testing its limits. The energy flowing through him vibrated intensely, each impact sending shockwaves through his body. His face was tense, his eyes fixed on the darkness in front of him as he concentrated on maintaining his defense.

The deep voice echoed in his mind again, carrying with it a mixture of curiosity and distrust. "If you don't wish to fight, why have you come here, human? I don't know if you've noticed, but you're a long way from home."

Kaizen took a deep breath, trying to control his anxiety and convey confidence through his words. "I'm looking for answers to questions. I've heard about this place and the creature that exiles itself here. I believe he can give me the answers I seek here."

The tentacles withdrew a little, the pressure against the barrier easing slightly. The darkness around Kaizen seemed to dissolve into tiny shades of light, revealing the silhouette of something immense and majestic moving in the depths.

The voice echoed again, this time softer, as if considering Kaizen's words. "You are the first in many years to seek answers here. Most mortals fear the unknown and prefer to ignore the old truths. But you... you're different, aren't you?"